Nature’s Coolest Survival Trick
FROZEN, THAWED, AND STILL ALIVE
Some animals don’t merely survive the winter. They freeze their brain, heart, and everything else completely solid. Then, when spring returns, they thaw and go about their life like nothing happened. This might be hard to believe, but several species of animals manage this every year. The wood frog is the best-known example. As the air temperature drops, it burrows into fallen leaves, letting the cold take over. First, its skin freezes, and then ice spreads through its blood vessels until the heart stops. That
depends on slowing metabolism rather than flooding the body with sugar. Insects have their own tricks. Gall fly larvae freeze and thaw with every swing in the weather. Gall moth larvae skip freezing altogether; they can stay liquid even below zero because their blood is so saturated with sugar that ice crystals cannot form. And then we have the microscopic tardigrades. They don’t freeze at all. Instead, they dry out until almost nothing is left. Then, their eight legs pull in, their brains shut down, and they ride out the cold weather. Once conditions improve, they rehydrate and come back to life. These creatures are so resilient and resistant to temperature extremes that scientists have even dropped them into liquid nitrogen, and they come out just fine. The intriguing part is how these animal kingdom survival tricks may help humans. Scientists are hoping to apply the principles to organ transplants. Right now, a heart lasts about four hours outside the body. If we could use the same principles to improve organ storage, that window could expand significantly. Nature already knows how to pause life. The challenge is figuring out how to follow its lead.
should be the end, but when the warm weather returns, so does the frog.
Glucose floods in from the liver and acts like antifreeze, keeping organs safe
and cells intact long enough to make it through winter.
Frogs are not the only ones. Painted turtle hatchlings also freeze, though their survival
The Senior Traveler’s Guide to Comfortable and Safe Holiday Trips
• Get creative in your seat. Point and flex your toes, draw circles with your ankles, or “write” the alphabet with your big toe. Tiny moves, big results! Hydration is a must in low-humidity environments. Low-humidity cabins and long drives can leave you parched before you even realize it. Keep a refillable water bottle handy and sip often. Skip the extra coffee or cocktails since both can dehydrate you even faster. Finally, pack healthy snacks so you’re not stuck with sugary airport options. Plan for stress-free travel. A stress-free trip often starts long before you arrive at the airport. One of the smartest things you can do is keep all your medications in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. That way, they’re always within reach and safe from the risk of being lost in transit.
The holidays are here, and so are the road trips, flights, and family reunions that make the season so special. Travel doesn’t just take you to new places; it lifts your spirits, sharpens your mind, and brings you closer to the people you love. But long hours in cars or planes can leave anyone feeling stiff, tired, and drained. Fortunately, with these smart moves, you can turn travel time into a smooth, comfortable ride instead of a holiday headache. Keep your blood pumping. Nothing slows down a trip faster than sore, swollen legs. Here’s how to stay one step ahead. • Slip on compression stockings before you leave to help prevent swelling and blood clots. • Book an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs and stroll the aisle without climbing over fellow passengers. • Make movement a habit. Set a timer to walk every hour, whether you’re on a plane or pulling into a rest stop on a long drive.
While making travel arrangements, it’s worth calling the airline to ask about priority boarding or mobility assistance. Having extra time to get to your seat without rushing can make the whole experience much easier. These small steps connect seamlessly to create a safer, smoother travel experience from start to finish. With these simple tricks, you’ll spend less time worrying about the journey and more time appreciating the laughter, love, and magic waiting for you at your destination.
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